NECAP Preparation

What is a literary analysis? A "literary analysis" essay is the kind you probably already have had the most practice with in English classes. It is a response to a piece of literature in which you explore and explain significant aspects of the text: its themes, its style, its use of literary devices, etc. A literary analysis essay does more than simply retell a story or poem; it comments on the story in a way that gets beneath the surface.

Do not limit yourself to saying the least amount possible! A good literary analysis essay is one which shows your willingness to think about the text you have read.

Follow formal writing rules: Use complete sentences. Avoid slang. Do not use "I" or "me" unnecessarily.

Sample Prompt:

Using the poem "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening" as evidence, support the statement "Things are not always what they seem."

Suggested Format for Your Response:

Introduction:

Hook: Use an attention-getting opener that relates to your thesis.

Thesis: State a clear position on what you think is the reading's main point or idea.

Organizational statement: Briefly introduce at least three good reasons for your position.

Body Paragraphs:

Link: Begin each paragraph with a sentence leading the reader from one point to the next.

Topic Sentence: State the main point of the paragraph. (Note: You can combine the link with the topic sentence.)

Support: Cite passages from the text, explaining how each one supports your thesis. Be sure to selectively weave in short quotations rather than quoting long blocks of text.

Details: Cite quotations correctly: e.g.,

The speaker tells us he had "miles to go before I sleep" (l. 15).

Analysis: Your body paragraphs should not read like a book report. Rather than merely summarize the text, focus on proving your thesis, showing how the text supports it. Link back to your thesis's keyword(s).

What is a narrative procedure? A "narrative procedure" is a piece of writing that instructs readers in how to approach or complete a task. Although a narrative procedure should contain an introduction, body, and conclusion, these units often take a different shape from that of a typical essay.

Some examples of narrative procedures include: directions on how to wash a car, cook lasagna, or build a tree fort; lab reports; city tour guides.

Do not limit yourself to saying the least amount possible! A good narrative procedure is one which shows your ability to thoroughly think through an activity AND to keep your reader interested.

Follow formal writing rules: Use complete sentences. Avoid slang. For some prompts, it may be appropriate to address the reader directly, using "you" (the sample prompt below, for instance), but it is best not to over-use "you."

Sample Prompt

You have been assigned to help a new student have lunch in your school cafeteria for the first time. Write a procedure explaining how to "successfully survive" the experience. You may include text features (headings, bullets/numbers, diagrams, etc.) to help the reader.

Suggested Format for Your Response:

Introduction: Briefly introduce the procedure (2-5 sentences)

Body:

Creates a clear sequence of steps (1, 2, 3, etc.).

Use "bullets" to list specific directions underneath each step.

Use parallel language (similar or repetitive structure) in your list of steps or bullet points.

Emphasize the practical advantages of your plan.

Include a diagram, sketch, or other visual aid, if appropriate.

Conclusion:

Briefly summarize the entire procedure (in 1-3 sentences).

Express an attitude or personal point of view toward the topic.

Other ideas to consider

Provide a tip box for quick reference

Add visual guides (bullets, underlining, etc.)

Persuasive Writing

What is persuasive writing? ~In persuasive writing, a writer takes a position for or against an issue and writes to convince the reader to believe or do something. It could take the form of a speech, a letter to the newspaper or school administrators, or even a sales pitch.

Do not limit yourself to saying the least amount possible! An effective piece of persuasive writing is one that uses facts, logic, emotions, and forceful language to change the reader's or listener's mind. Always keep your audience in mind.

Follow formal writing rules: Use complete sentences. Avoid slang. Do not use "I" or "me" unnecessarily.

Sample Prompt:

Locker Searches/Personal Searches

The principal at your school has instituted random locker and backpack searches to check for guns, knives, and other weapons. Anyone caught with these weapons will be immediately suspended. The principal argues that the random searches will not only guard against illegal weapons at school but will also help students feel safer. What is your position on this issue? Write a response stating your position and supporting it with convincing reasons.

Suggested Format for Your Response:

Introduction:

Hook: Use an attention-getting opener that relates to your main purpose.

Thesis: State a clear and arguable position, taking one side of a debatable issue.

Organizational statement: Briefly introduce at least three good reasons for your position.

Body Paragraphs:

Link: Begin each paragraph with a sentence leading the reader from one point to the next.

Topic Sentence: State the main point of the paragraph. (Note: You can combine the link with the topic sentence.)

Support: Cite supporting reasons to back up that point and prove your thesis. (Cite at least one reason, but two or more are more convincing.)

Tone: Create a trustworthy tone. Try to sound both reasonable and concerned.

Rebuttal: Include at least one paragraph that addresses (and, if possible, disproves) opposing viewpoints.

Conclusion:

Review: Restate your thesis in different words.

Recap: Sum up your reasons.

Call to action: Tell your readers what should happen next.

Wrap-up: Give your readers a point to ponder.

Reflective Essay

What is a reflective essay? A "reflective essay" or "personal essay" is an esay in which, in response to some general topic, you write about it from your own persepctive and experience.

Do not limit yourself to saying the least amount possible! A good reflective essay does not simply state your own beliefs or prejudices; it explores the subject from your own point of view, in a style that is both clear and uniquely yours.

Follow formal writing rules: Since a reflective essay is by its nature a personal response, the use of "I" and "me" is acceptable "” in fact, it is expected. Other than that, you should still follow the expectations for formal writing: use complete sentences, follow grammar rules, avoid slang.

Sample Prompts:

It has often been said that appearances can be deceiving. In other words, things are not always what they seem. Describe and discuss an experience you have had, a work of literature you have read, or a topic from current events which demonstrates this idea, addressing the topic from your own point of view.

Reflective Essay Format:

Introduction:

Hook: Get your reader's attention with a thought-provoking statement related to the topic.

Thesis Statement: Briefly summarize your position on the topic.

Organizational statement: Briefly introduce the key points you will make about the main topic.

Body Paragraphs

Link: Begin each paragraph with a transition sentence leading the reader from one point to the next.

Topic Sentence: State the main point of the paragraph. (Note: Your link and your topic sentence may be a single sentence.)

Express an Attitude: The purpose of a reflective essay is to demonstrate your own unique point of view on the subject. Use language that expresses that view in a thoughtful manner.

Conclusion

Restate the main idea using different words.

Sum up main points.

Connect to your opening.

Response to Informational Text

What is informational writing? A "response to informational text" is an essay that responds to a specific piece of non-fiction writing or a set of facts. In general, an essay in response to informational text does not aim to argue a point of view on a controversial issue, but just to demonstrate your understanding of the text.

Do not limit yourself to saying the least amount possible! An effective response to informational text shows your thorough understanding of the text "” not just what it says, but also what it suggests or what further conclusions you can draw from it.

Follow formal writing rules: Use complete sentences. Avoid slang. Do not use "I," "me," or "you" unless asked to include your own experience or give directions.

Sample Prompts:

1. Explain the goals of the Excaliburproject as described in this article, and the methods scientists are using to reach these goals. Use examples from the article to support your answer.

2. Using the facts listed above, explain why students at Alpha School score higher on the reading test than students at Beta School, and offer suggestions as to how Beta Schoolstudents can improve.

Suggested Format for Your Response:

Introduction:

Hook: Use an attention-getting opener that relates to your topic.

Topic Statement: Identify the text you are responding to (by title and author, if they are provided), and briefly summarize the text's main idea.

Organizational statement: Briefly introduce at least three key points you will make about the main topic.

Body Paragraphs

Link: Begin each paragraph with a sentence leading the reader from one point to the next.

Topic Sentence: State the main point of the paragraph. (Note: You can combine the link with the topic sentence.)

Details: Cite facts from the text or list (use quotations!), explaining how each one relates to the topic of the paragraph or the main idea of the essay. Be sure to weave quotations in to the points you are making.

Inferences: Tell us what conclusions you can draw from those facts and details.

Conclusion

Restate the main idea using different words.

Sum up main points.

Re-connect to your opening, or connect your topic to the world at large.